Troops Avert Attack on Agip Oil Facilities

Vigilant troops of the Nigerian Army stopped militants in the early hours of Sunday from causing yet another havoc to oil installations belonging to Agip Oil pipeline at Gulobokri, Brass Local Government Area, Bayelsa State.

In a statement issued by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Sunday, Col. Sani Usman, said troops from 343 Artillery Regiment of 2 Brigade, 82 Division, engaged some militants in two speed boat in gun battle before they could carry out any damage to oil pipelines.

“The troops responded with overwhelming superior firepower, and as a result the suspected criminals sped off from the area with many of them sustaining gunshot wounds. No casualty on the patrol team.

“Unfortunately, personnel of Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) attached to the team sustained gunshot wound. He has since been evacuated and he is in a stable condition”, the statement said.

Usman also said another troops from the same unit in 82 Division opened fire on another group of militants in three speed boats that tried to attack infrastructure in Perigbene area.

Most of the militants, the statement said, were killed, while others sustained injuries.

“The casualty on militants cannot be ascertained as it was raining heavily and the raging storm could not allow troops to go on pursuit of the escaping criminals.

“A mop up operation has been organised for those militants that escaped with gunshot wounds, as they may be receiving treatment in the neighbouring communities.

“Troops would continue to intensify patrol in the general area to avert further vandalization or attacks in the area”, it added.